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GS Paper: GS3-17.Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Bio-technology and issues relating to Intellectual Property Rights.

  • What is the drug Captagon?

    Why in the News?

    Captagon, the “poor man’s cocaine,” has become increasingly popular among young adults in the Middle East and North Africa.

    What is the Drug Captagon?

    • Captagon is a synthetic drug that was originally developed in Germany in the 1960s and 1970s.
    • It was initially created as a pharmaceutical treatment for attention deficit disorders, narcolepsy, and sometimes depression.
    • The primary active ingredient in Captagon is fenethylline, a compound that, once ingested, is metabolized into two powerful stimulants: amphetamine and theophylline.
    • These substances stimulate the central nervous system, leading to increased alertness, reduced fatigue, and a sense of euphoria.

    How Addictive is Captagon?

    • Captagon is highly addictive due to its powerful effects on the brain and body.
    • As a psychostimulant, Captagon significantly impacts the central nervous system, leading to a range of effects that can make it very difficult for users to stop taking the drug once they start.
    • It is also reportedly used by fighters in conflict zones to enhance their endurance and suppress fatigue.
    • The primary effects of Captagon include:
    1. Euphoria: Users often experience an intense feeling of happiness or well-being.
    2. Increased Wakefulness: The drug reduces the need for sleep, keeping users awake and alert for extended periods.
    3. Enhanced Physical and Mental Performance: Users may feel stronger, more focused, and more capable of performing both physically and mentally demanding tasks.
    • However, the heavy use of Captagon comes with serious risks such as cognitive impairment, cardiovascular issues, and risk of addiction.

    Where is Captagon Made?

    • In recent years, Syria the “narco state” of Middle East has emerged as the largest producer of Captagon.
    • Its production increased after 2011 Arab Spring protests, which led to civil unrest and conflict in the region.

    PYQ:

    [2019] Consider the following statements:

    1. The United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) has a ‘Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air’.
    2. The UNCAC is the ever-first legally binding global anti-corruption instrument.
    3. A highlight of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) is the inclusion of a specific chapter aimed at returning assets to their rightful owners from whom they had been taken illicitly.
    4. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is mandated by its member States to assist in the implementation of both UNCAC and UNTOC.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    (a) 1 and 3 only
    (b) 2, 3 and 4 only
    (c) 2 and 4 only
    (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

  • Extremophile bacteria have learnt to survive microwaves

    Why in the News?

    Researchers have isolated extremophile bacteria from harsh environments like volcanic vents, permafrost, acid mines, deep-sea hydrothermal vents, and lakes beneath polar ice caps.

    What are Extremophiles?

    • Extremophiles are microorganisms that thrive in extreme environmental conditions where other life forms typically cannot survive.
    • For example: Volcanic vents, Permafrost, Acid mines, Deep-sea hydrothermal vents, dark lakes buried beneath polar ice caps, on the exteriors of spacecraft, around nuclear waste storage sites.

    Adaptation and Evolution:

    • Extremophiles have developed unique biological and biochemical processes over millions of years to adapt to diverse habitats.
    • Unlike more complex life forms, which have one set of proteins, extremophiles have multiple sets of proteins, each adapted to specific environmental conditions.
    • These proteins are ‘activated’ based on the surrounding environment, enabling survival during extreme conditions like high temperatures, lack of water, or high acidity.
    • Significance: Some scientists believe that life on Earth may have begun as an extremophile in extreme environmental niches before spreading and adapting to more temperate ecosystems.

    About the ‘Earth Microbiome Project’

    • It is a global initiative aimed at mapping, organising, and understanding the diversity of microbial life across different environmental niches on Earth.
    • The project was founded in 2010.
    • Objective: 
      • To sequence 200,000 genetic samples from diverse environments.
      • To assemble 500,000 microbial genomes, creating a comprehensive map of microbial diversity on Earth.
    • Significance:
      • The project is part of broader efforts to understand the microbial world, which is still in its infancy.
      • It is related to other significant projects like the ‘Earth Biogenome Project,’ which aims to sequence the genomes of all eukaryotic organisms on the planet.
      • Understanding microbial diversity has numerous biological and industrial applications, such as developing new enzymes for molecular biology or finding new ways to adapt organisms to challenging environments.

     

    PYQ:

    [2017] With reference to agriculture in India, how can the technique of ‘genome sequencing’, often seen in the news, be used in the immediate future?

    1. Genome sequencing can be used to identify genetic markers for disease resistance and drought tolerance in various crop plants.

    2. This technique helps in reducing the time required to develop new varieties of crop plants.

    3. It can be used to decipher the host-pathogen relationships in crops.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • WHO declares Mpox as Public Health Emergency of International Concern

    Why in the news?

    The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared mpox as a “public health emergency of international concern” (PHEIC).

    What is a PHEIC?

    • A PHEIC is a formal declaration by the WHO under the International Health Regulations (IHR), 2005.
    • It refers to an “extraordinary event” posing a public health risk through the international spread of disease, potentially requiring a coordinated global response.
    • Criteria for PHEIC:
      • Serious and unusual event: Poses a significant public health risk.
      • Cross-border implications: Affects more than one country.
      • International response needed: Requires immediate global coordination.
    • Purpose: Mobilizes resources, raises awareness, and coordinates efforts to manage and contain the threat.

    What is Mpox?

    • Mpox is a disease caused by the orthopoxvirus, related to the smallpox virus.
    • First detected in humans in 1970, it is endemic in central and West Africa.
    • Transmission: Spread from animals to humans (zoonotic) and between humans via close contact, respiratory droplets, or contaminated materials.
    • Symptoms: Fever, rash, swollen lymph nodes; can lead to severe complications or death.
    • Vaccination: WHO recommends vaccines, widely used in Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to control outbreaks.

    Recent Developments: 

    • In recent years, there has been an increase in mpox cases, including the emergence of new strains such as clade 1b, which has spread to countries outside of its typical endemic regions.
    • This led to the declaration of mpox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) due to its potential for widespread impact.

     

    PYQ:

    [2014] Consider the following diseases

    1. Diphtheria

    2. Chickenpox

    3. Smallpox

    Which of the above diseases has/have been eradicated in India?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 3 only

    (c) 1, 2 and 3

    (d) None

  • What is KAVACH Collision Avoidance System (CAS)?

    Why in the News?

    Indian Railways expects to launch Kavach CAS on Mumbai-Delhi-Kolkata routes by March 2025.

    About Kavach Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS)

    Details
    Development
    • Development started in 2011 by Indian Railways and Research Designs & Standards Organisation (RDSO).
    • Key developer: B. Rajaram, known for the Skybus Metro system.
    • Field trials began in 2014, and final approval was granted in 2019.
    Safety Parameters Certified for Safety Integrity Level 4 (SIL-4) operations
    Working Mechanism
    • Components: Trackside RFID tags, onboard locomotive equipment, radio infrastructure.
    • Functionality: Real-time monitoring, driver alerts, and automatic braking to prevent collisions.
    • Data Inputs: Location, direction, time.
    • Event Recorders: Retain records for post-incident analysis.
    Collision Prevention
    • Alert Mechanism: Alerts the locomotive pilot if a ‘red signal’ is missed.
    • Automatic Braking: If speed exceeds 15 kmph after a red signal, Kavach applies brakes to halt the train.
    Issues
    • High Cost: ₹50 lakh per kilometer for deployment.
    • Low Coverage: Covers only 1,500 kilometers out of the total 68,000-kilometer rail network (as of November 2023).

    How does CAS work in ships and aircraft?

    Key Systems Functions
    Ships AIS (Automatic Identification System) Sends and receives data on location, speed, and direction between ships and land-based stations.
    LRIT (Long Range Identification and Tracking)
    • Requires ships to report location, time, and equipment every 6 hours to authorities.
    • Data shared with contracting governments and rescue operators via International LRIT Data Exchange.
    Aircraft Transponders Respond to radio-frequency pings to build a 3D view of surrounding air traffic.
    Alerts and Resolution Issues alert if another aircraft is within 48 seconds (traffic advisory) or 30 seconds (resolution) of a collision.
    Radar Altimeters and Obstacle Detection Monitors distance to the ground and alerts pilots about tall obstacles like towers.

     

    PYQ:

    [2015] With reference to bio-toilets used by the Indian Railways, consider the following statements:

    1. The decomposition of human waste in the biotoilets is initiated by a fungal inoculum.
    2. Ammonia and water vapour are the only end products in this decomposition which are released into the atmosphere.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only
    (b) 2 only
    (c) Both 1 and 2
    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

  • Hidden dangers of irrational use of antibiotics on microbiome    

    Why in the news?

    While vital for treating infections, antibiotics can disrupt the microbiome by indiscriminately killing both harmful pathogens and beneficial gut bacteria, especially broad-spectrum types.

    Various roles played by Antibiotics (Applications):  

     

    Treatment of Infections

    Antibiotics are essential for treating bacterial infections, significantly reducing mortality rates associated with infectious diseases

    For example, penicillin and other antibiotics, the mortality rate from strep throat dropped dramatically from 1% to less than 0.1%.

    Preventing Disease Spread 

    Treating bacterial infections, antibiotics can prevent the spread of disease to other individuals

    For instance, during the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic, antibiotics were used to treat secondary bacterial pneumonia, which was a major cause of death.

    Reducing Complications

    Antibiotics can reduce the risk of serious complications from bacterial infections.

    For instance, In the case of urinary tract infections (UTIs), untreated infections can lead to kidney damage or life-threatening conditions like sepsis. However, with prompt antibiotic treatment, the risk of complications is greatly reduced

    Supporting Medical Procedures

    Antibiotics are used prophylactically to prevent infections before certain medical procedures

    For example in surgery

    Concerning Aspects of Antibiotic Use

    • Dysbiosis: The disruption of the microbiome, known as dysbiosis, can lead to severe health issues, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). 
    • Increased Infection Risk: Antibiotics can reduce colonization resistance, which is the microbiome’s ability to prevent pathogenic microorganisms from establishing infections. This reduction increases the risk of infections by harmful bacteria, such as Clostridioides difficile.
    • Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR): Overuse of antibiotics contributes to the development of antimicrobial resistance, making it more challenging to treat infections. The global crisis of antibiotic resistance is exacerbated by the enrichment of antibiotic resistance genes within the gut microbiota due to antibiotic exposure.
    • Long-term Health Consequences: Repeated antibiotic use can prevent full recovery of the microbiome, leading to chronic health issues. Research shows that children who receive multiple courses of antibiotics are at higher risk for developing conditions like IBD later in life.
    • Impact on Other Organ Systems: Dysbiosis can affect various organ systems through gut-organ axes, influencing conditions such as mental health disorders (via the gut-brain axis), liver diseases (via the gut-liver axis), and skin conditions (via the gut-skin axis) due to altered immune responses and increased permeability.

    Government initiatives: 

    1. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has initiated an antibiotic stewardship program (AMSP) on a pilot basis in 20 tertiary care hospitals across India to control the misuse and overuse of antibiotics in hospital wards and ICUs.
    2. ICMR collaborated with the Indian Council of Agriculture Research, Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairy and Fisheries, and the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) to ban the use of Colistin as a growth promoter in animal feed in poultry.
    3. The Government of India launched the National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (NAP-AMR) in April 2017, focusing on a One Health approach.

    Way forward: 

    • Antibiotic Stewardship Programs: Implement and promote antibiotic stewardship programs in healthcare settings to ensure antibiotics are prescribed only when necessary and with the appropriate dosage and duration.
    • Probiotic Supplementation: Encourage the use of probiotics alongside antibiotic treatments to help maintain a healthy microbiome and mitigate the risks of dysbiosis and related health issues.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q Can overuse and free availability of antibiotics without Doctor’s prescription, be contributors to the emergence of drug-resistant diseases in India? What are the available mechanisms for monitoring and control? Critically discuss the various issues involved. (2014)

  • India to roll out BPaL Regimen for Drug-Resistant TB

    Why in the News?

    India is preparing to introduce the BPaL (bedaquiline, pretomanid, and linezolid) regimen for all patients with multi/extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (M/XDR-TB).

    What is BPaL Regimen? 

    Details
    Purpose
    • Treatment for multi-drug resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) tuberculosis (TB).
    • Provides a potent, shorter, and more effective treatment option for patients resistant to standard TB drugs.
    Components of the regimen Bedaquiline (Bdq):

    • Targets ATP synthase enzyme in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, disrupting energy production.
    • Key drug in combating drug-resistant TB.
    Pretomanid (Pa):

    • Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis and kills bacteria under anaerobic conditions.
    • Enhances effectiveness when combined with other TB drugs.
    Linezolid (Lzd):

    • Inhibits protein synthesis, stopping bacterial growth.
    • Effective against MDR and XDR TB strains.

     

    Significance of BPaL Regimen

    • Studies and trials have shown that the BPaL regimen has higher success rates in treating MDR and XDR TB compared to older regimens.
    • It reduces treatment duration for MDR/XDR-TB from the traditional 18-24 months to 6 months approx.  
    • It is entirely oral with NO injectable, making it easier for patients to adhere to the treatment.
    • It reduces number of drugs patients need to take daily from up to 14 to just 3.

    PYQ:

    [2014] Can overuse and free availability of antibiotics without Doctor’s prescription, be contributors to the emergence of drug-resistant diseases in India? What are the available mechanisms for monitoring and control? Critically discuss the various issues involved.

  • Why Silica Dust could become the ‘New Asbestos’ Health Risk?

    Why in the News?

    UK researchers suggest stricter daily silica dust exposure limits in industries could save 13,000 lives as per British Medical Journal Thorax.

    What is Silicosis?

    • Silicosis is a lung disease that results in the hardening of the lungs. It is caused by inhaling silica dust or crystals, commonly found in soil, sand, concrete, mortar, granite, and artificial stone.
    • Silicosis is a chronic disease that develops slowly, often after 10 to 20 years of exposure.
    • Silicosis can lead to other severe conditions, including lung cancer, tuberculosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
    Note: Silicosis is a recognized disease under the Mines Act (1952) and the Factories Act (1948).

    Causes of Silicosis:

    • Workers in industries such as construction, mining, oil and gas extraction, kitchen engineering, dentistry, pottery, and sculpting are at high risk.
    • The cutting, drilling, or breaking down of materials containing silica releases fine dust into the air.

    As per National Programme on Elimination of Silicosis in India

    Remedies for Silicosis:

    Currently, there is no cure for silicosis, and treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications.

    Preventive measures:

    • Water Suppression Techniques: Using water or foam to suppress dust at the source.
    • Proper Ventilation: Ensuring adequate airflow in work environments to reduce dust accumulation.
    • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Providing workers with masks and respirators that filter out fine particles.
    • Regular Monitoring: Implementing regular health checks for workers and monitoring air quality in workplaces.

    Case study related to reducing Silica Dust Exposure

    • United States: Implemented stricter regulations on silica dust, resulting in a significant reduction in silicosis cases.
    • Australia: Banned the use of engineered stone due to its propensity to release high levels of silica dust when cut or drilled.

     

    PYQ:

    [2019] Why is there a great concern about the ‘microbeads’ that are released into environment?

    (a) They are considered harmful to marine ecosystems.

    (b) They are considered to cause skin cancer in children.

    (c) They are small enough to be absorbed by crop plants in irrigated fields.

    (d) They are often found to be used as food adulterants.

  • Trichophyton indotineae: A drug resistant fungal infections   

    Why in the News?

    The increase in drug-resistant fungal infections, especially Trichophyton indotineae, is becoming a major health problem in India.

    What Is Trichophyton Indotineae?

    • Trichophyton indotineae is a dermatophyte commonly known as ringworm or jock itch.
    • First identified in India, this fungus has now spread to several countries worldwide.
    • It belongs to genotype VIII within the T. mentagrophytes/T. interdigitale species complex, found in regions including Australia and Oman.

    Factors causing its spread 

    • Patients often present with persistent, treatment-resistant rashes that can be mistaken for eczema or other skin conditions.
    • Misdiagnosis leads to the use of ineffective treatments, prolonging patient suffering and allowing the infection to worsen.
    • Trichophyton indotineae has shown resistance to terbinafine due to genetic mutations, with growing resistance to itraconazole also a concern.
    • The unregulated sale of steroid-containing combination creams further complicates treatment efforts.

    Treatments available

    • Alternative to terbinafine and Itraconazole are available but often come with significant side effects, requiring close monitoring by healthcare providers.
    • Integrating comprehensive skin care regimens can enhance treatment efficacy, including maintaining skin hydration and using barrier creams.

    PYQ:

    [2014] Lichens, which are capable of initiating ecological succession even on a bare rock, are actually a symbiotic association of:

    (a) algae and bacteria

    (b) algae and fungi

    (c) bacteria and fungi

    (d) fungi and mosses

  • The hormone Oestrogen

    Why in the News?

    • “Osteoporosis” is a condition where bones become weak and brittle, with over 10 million cases annually in India.
      • It predominantly affects ageing women due to decreased oestrogen levels post-menopause.
    A recent study in Nature by researchers at the Universities of California uncovered a brain-derived hormone, CCN3, which increases bone mass in postpartum lactating mothers.

     

    What is Oestrogen?

      • Oestrogen is a primary female sex hormone essential for reproductive and sexual development.
      • It regulates the menstrual cycle and is crucial for the development of secondary sexual characteristics like breast development. 
      • Oestrogen also plays a vital role in maintaining bone density and cardiovascular health.
    • It is produced mainly in the ovaries but also in smaller amounts by the adrenal glands and fat tissue. 
    • The hormone influences various tissues, including the brain, heart, skin, and bones.
    • Imbalances in oestrogen levels can lead to various health issues, such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.

    Role of Oestrogen in Bone Growth

    • Oestrogen is crucial for bone growth and formation, acting as a manager signaling the bone construction crew.
    • During breastfeeding, oestrogen production drops to focus on milk production, which should weaken bones.
    • Contrary to expectations, mothers’ bones become stronger to meet their babies’ high calcium demands.

    How does the ‘Hidden’ Hormone Keep Mice Mothers’ Bones Healthy?

    • During breastfeeding, the body suppresses oestrogen production to focus on milk production, which should weaken bones.
    • Despite low oestrogen, mothers’ bones strengthen.
    Researchers found that KISS1 neurons in the hypothalamus (a part of the brain) release the CCN3 hormone, which helps maintain and even increase bone mineralisation.

    Experimental Findings:

    • In experiments with genetically modified mice, those lacking the oestrogen receptor alpha still maintained healthy bones due to CCN3.
    • When CCN3 was introduced to skeletal stem cells, it significantly increased bone formation, showing its potential to strengthen bones independently of oestrogen.

    PYQ:

    [2019] ‘RNA interference (RNAi)’ technology has gained popularity in the last few years. Why?

    1. It is used in developing gene silencing therapies.
    2. It can be used in developing therapies for the treatment of cancer.
    3. It can be used to develop hormone replacement therapies.
    4. It can be used to produce crop plants that are resistant to virtual pathogens.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    (a) 1, 2 and 4

    (b) 2 and 3

    (c) 1 and 3

    (d) 1 and 4 only

  • The Physics of Pressure

    Why in the News?

    • Pressure is an indispensable part of life, often unnoticed but always present.
      • It’s the interaction of microscopic particles with the macroscopic world, creating phenomena like air pressure.

    What is Pressure?

    • Pressure is defined as the force exerted per unit area on a surface. 
    • For example, an apple weighing 100 g exerts a force of about 1 newton (N) on your hand and a pressure of approximately 500 Pa.
    • Atmospheric pressure is around 100,000 Pa, equivalent to the pressure exerted by about 200 apples on your hand.

    Everyday Examples of Pressure

    (1) Measuring Blood Pressure:

    • Blood pressure, measured in mm of mercury (mmHg), is an example of pressure in a different context.
    • Blood pressure is measured using a sphygmomanometer, which balances the pressure in an arm cuff with the pressure of the blood in the arteries.
    • The readings, such as 120/80 mmHg, represent the pressure during heartbeats (systolic) and between beats (diastolic).
    • Mercury, being 15 times heavier than water, allows for portable blood-pressure machines.

    (2) Pressure Cookers:

    • The whistle of a pressure cooker is a direct result of the increased pressure cooking the food efficiently.
    • The pressure cooker exemplifies the practical application of pressure in cooking, making it an indispensable kitchen tool.

    PYQ:

    [2021] In a pressure cooker, the temperature at which the food is cooked depends mainly upon which of the following?​

    1. Area of the hole in the lid​

    2. Temperature of the flame​

    3. Weight of the lid​

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.​

    (a) 1 and 2 only ​

    (b) 2 and 3 only​

    (c) 1 and 3 only ​

    (d) 1, 2 and 3​